Jiroemon Kimura Biography

Jiroemon Kimura was a Japanese supercentenarian who became the oldest living male recorded in history as of December 2012. At the age of 116 years and 54 days old at the time of death, he also holds the record of the only man who indisputably attained 116 years of age. Since his birth in 1897, he survived through the reign of four Japanese emperors as well as the administrations of 61 prime ministers. In his 50s, Kimura witnessed his nation dabble disastrously with militarism and also saw its eventual rise to become one of the world's most powerful economies. Born and raised in a fishing village alongside five siblings, Kimura worked at post offices following his schooling and retired at the age of 65. He also worked as a farmer. Two of the chief reasons behind his longevity were waking up early in the day and watching his food portion sizes. On 12 June 2013, Kimura breathed his last in a local medical centre in his hometown of Kyōtango. He was the last verified man alive born in the 19th century.